Via Retrozap.com:
When partnered with Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, does Rogue One create a new trilogy?
The Imperial Trilogy
Rogue One recently arrived in theaters last month and thrilled audiences. The tale of how the Rebellion came to possess the plans to the dreaded Death Star claimed its spot as one of 2016’s most successful films. Naturally, fans begin to compare Rogue One to the other films in the franchise. Beyond the story elements, how does it fit in? Star Wars already has two trilogies, and the ongoing sequel trilogy adds a third. In my experience, older fans gravitate to the original trilogy. Newer, and usually younger fans, frequently prefer the prequel trilogy. It remains to be seen where the sequel trilogy ranks. Rogue One, of course, is not a saga film. However, it is connective tissue between the prequel and the original trilogies. Many people have suggested that it creates a new trilogy when combined with Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
It is an intriguing idea. But, does such a trilogy work? Certainly, there are shared story elements. However, are there common themes between the three movies that adequately tie them together? Through an analysis of themes and elements, the viewer can judge for themselves whether these three movies create a new and successful Imperial Trilogy.
The Lack of One Cohesive Story
The Imperial Trilogy does not tell one entirely cohesive story across all three films. Revenge of the Sith is the story of the fall of the Republic and the triumph of the Sith. Rogue One relates the tale of a band of Rebels. These Rebels embark on a suicide mission to secure the plans for the Empire’s doomsday weapon. It is a war story and a tragedy. A New Hope is the purest adventure tale of the three. It is complete with a princess locked away in a stronghold and a reluctant hero scooped up in a quest to save her.
The tone of A New Hope doesn’t blend as well with the earlier two films. Despite moments of loss, this movie ends with a resounding victory for the heroes. In fact, two of the heroes receive medals from the very Princess they rescued after destroying the Empire’s ultimate weapon to the applause of all those assembled. By comparison, Revenge of the Sith ends with the Republic thoroughly defeated and the heroes, what is left of them in hiding. Rogue One depicts a victory for the Rebellion, albeit a victory secured at great cost. None of the protagonists survive.
The previous trilogies tell a more unified story. The original trilogy tells the story of Luke’s ascension to Jedi Knighthood and the ultimate defeat of the Empire. The redemption of Vader, a man believed to be irredeemable by nearly all, is a central theme. In addition, the prequel trilogy tells the story of the fall of the Republic, the Jedi, and most importantly Anakin Skywalker to the dark side. Combined these two trilogies comprise the “Saga.” Rogue One doesn’t contribute so much to that story as it does to a single film, A New Hope.
